Steamed Mussels in Lemongrass Coconut Curry

Ingredients:

2 pounds mussels, scrubbed & picked through (discard cracked shells and ones that don't close when tapped)1 stalk of lemongrass, white part grated with microplane grater (or substitute with 4 wide strips of lemon peel)2 bottles of clam juice (or substitute with vegetable broth + wine)1 can (14oz) of good coconut milk, shake the can vigorously to mix the fat with the liquid1/4 cup to 1/2 cup of Thai curry paste (depends on your spice level)1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 teaspoon sugar3 small skeins of mung bean noodles, soaked in cold water for 5 minutes.chopped scallions & chili for topping

Directions:

1. Fry the curry paste: In a wok or large pot, turn heat to medium. When wok is hot but not smoking, add 2 tbl curry paste and the lemongrass (or lemon peel). Fry for 30 seconds to release its flavors. Add the clam juice, fish sauce, sugar and coconut milk. Simmer for 3 minutes. If you are using lemon peel, discard lemon peel. Taste the broth. If you want more heat, add more curry paste. In meantime, drain your mung bean noodles. The noodles should still be a little stiff.

2. Steam the mussels: Turn heat to high and add your mussels. Immediately cover with tight fitting lid. Steam on high for 4 minutes. Open lid, scootch the mussels to one side, add mung bean noodles and cook for another minute uncovered. Use a large spoon to redistribute the mussels from the top to the bottom of the broth, cook another 30 seconds and it's done! Top with chopped chilies and scallions.